Renewing your passport can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will outline the easiest and best way to renew your passport online in South Africa. Whether you want to renew your passport for business or for pleasure, this is the most straightforward method to do so. It's a quick and easy process that you can do from home. All you need is a computer or phone, and you're good to go.
Firstly, passports cannot be renewed once they expire; you will need to apply for a new one. South Africans can apply via the eHomeAffairs website. Please be advised that to complete an online passport application, you will need internet banking. Applicants will have to visit a Home Affairs office to have their biometrics taken and receive their passport.
Alternatively, you can go to a specific Absa, FNB, Standard Bank or Nedbank branch to have your biometrics taken and collect your new passport. So whether this is your first time applying for a passport or doing a renewal, follow these simple steps and you'll be on your way!
Simply go to the eHomeAffairs website and register .
Create a profile with your personal information.
You'll need to answer some security questions and create a password
You'll be asked to capture a one-time pin (OTP) that will be sent to your cellphone
Finally, you'll need to attach a copy of your ID. Once you've registered, you can apply for your passport renewal online.
Enter your bank account details on the eHomeAffairs site.
You will then be required to log in to your internet banking to authorize the payment.
Log in to your internet banking account
Add the Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary, and follow the payment instructions.
Finally, enter your reference number and approve the R400 payment to the Department of Home Affairs.
Once the Department of Home Affairs has registered your payment you will be eligible to proceed with your biometrics data – two thumbprints, a photo, and your signature.
You do not need to make an appointment at Home Affairs. Simply go to your local branch to have your biometrics done.
You will need to take your ID book with you to the Home Affairs branch.
You will be given a choice of time slots. Once you’ve selected a time slot, you will be sent a confirmation via SMS and email.
Take your ID book and confirmation email or SMS with you when going to your local bank branch.
You will receive a notification that your passport is ready for collection at the Home Affairs or a bank branch where your biometrics were captured.
Note: You have 90 days to collect your passport from the date you recorded your biometrics. After 90 days, your application will automatically be canceled, and you’ll have to start the process again.
Renewing your passport can be an easy process, but it will cost you. The Department of Home Affairs charges a fee to renew a passport. This fee can be paid through internet banking, and applicants have 90 days to collect their new passports. There are also bank fees associated with the payment, so it's important to factor those in when planning your renewal.
First-time application for a passport: R400
Application for a new passport (with old passport): R400
Application for a new passport (if your passport was lost): R800
A copy of your ID
Passport fee
Your old passport (if you have one)
With eHomeAffairs services available, your South African passport application and passport renewal process should prove to be a simple and easy task to do before booking your flight to your dream destination.
